Honorable

I've recently changed my RAM from 3x4GB 1333mhz to 2x8GB @ 1600mhz, but the i7-2600 is by default set to run 1333mhz. Even when I manually changed it in the BIOS to 1600mhz, there was a very small performance drop in the Star Swarm stress test.

I'm not planning to overclock because ultimately the quietness is very crucial to me.

Am I right to think that the i7-2600 is holding my system back and should upgrade to 3770? And is it worth changing my motherboard and getting 4770 while I'm at it?

Also, I read that the 2600 has better graphics handling capacity? Does that mean it's actually better for the type of work I do (Animation in After Effects, mostly 2D), or does that just mean in case of using the on board graphics (I have HD 7870 Ghz OC)?